TIME no longer stands still at Down St Mary.

Local residents raised more than £1,000 to bring back to life the historic clock on the village hall which has not worked for more than a year.

Nigel Fidock, hall treasurer, said that the original clock came from London and was erected on the hall in memory of Frances and Sidney Howard for their dedicated service to Down St Mary from The Howard Family, on May 7, 1990.

An image of the ornate clock which can be seen on Down St Mary Village Hall. AQ 4106
An image of the ornate clock which can be seen on Down St Mary Village Hall. AQ 4106 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Tessa Pluck switching on the clock at Down St Mary. AQ 4108
Tessa Pluck switching on the clock at Down St Mary. AQ 4108 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

He explained that the clock has been repaired and painted, given a robust new motor with a new mechanism.

“We tried to repair the old one first but it was beyond repair and needed parts for the motor which were either not available or too expensive”, he said.

Enjoying tea after the switch-on ceremony. AQ 1026
Enjoying tea after the switch-on ceremony. AQ 1026 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Sherlock the Dachshund enjoyed being at the event. AQ 1030
Sherlock the Dachshund enjoyed being at the event. AQ 1030 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Hall committee member Tessa Pluck was invited to switch on the clock after a countdown and to much applause.

She thanked all those involved in the project and all who helped with the fundraising.

Serving refreshments after the clock switch-on ceremony at Down St Mary. AQ 0967
Serving refreshments after the clock switch-on ceremony at Down St Mary. AQ 0967 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Fundraising activities included quizzes, skittles evenings, a darts night, bingo, curry and quiz evening, cheese and wine and valuations, race night, auction, Summer Fete and a Christmas event including reindeer racing.